RealSimple: Five-Minute Beauty Tips

Orange Lips

Every bit as glamorous as red, but not nearly as serious, this punchy citrus shade has become summer’s ultimate pick. These lipsticks suit all complexions; for the highest impact, choose the shiniest finish. Balance the strong lip color with sophisticated eye makeup (loads of mascara and a neutral shadow) and a peachy blush.

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And we have liftoff! Major volume at the roots was the mane event on fall 2012 runways (like at Carolina Herrera, left). It’s OK if you’re not up for beehive-high hair. Even the slightest bump is more than enough to elevate your look. Want to keep it sophisticated and retro—not Snooki and Co.? Add a slim ballerina headband. Here’s how.

Step 1: Tease. Using a boar-bristle brush, back-comb hair at the crown until you reach the desired height.

Every bit as glamorous as red, but not nearly as serious, this punchy citrus shade has become summer’s ultimate pick. These lipsticks suit all complexions; for the highest impact, choose the shiniest finish. Balance the strong lip color with sophisticated eye makeup (loads of mascara and a neutral shadow) and a peachy blush.

Easter-egg shades are springing up all over, including on lids. Think the look will send you back to 1985? Fear not—today’s eye-shadow formulas are sheer, shimmery, and more wearable than the chalky pastels of the past. For a sophisticated effect, pick one that stands out against your hair color. These pairings pop nicely.

Seen in endless permutations on the spring runways, this season’s trendiest shade is not only fun but easy, too. It requires no other makeup than mascara, it flatters all complexions, and you can pick the intensity that feels most “you.”

To prolong a summer glow, select one of these complexion enhancers. Use a powder if your skin is normal to oily, a cream or a stick if it's dry. Apply highlighter to the elevated areas of the face only (the tops of cheekbones, the brow bones, and down the nose) to subtly catch the light. Overdose and you'll look glittery—or greasy.

Still looking for that silver bullet that makes you appear well rested when you're not? As it turns out, a bold blue, green, or purple liner can do the trick, giving you just a touch of eye-brightening tint. Use the colored pencil to trace the inner third of your lash line, top and bottom. Line the rest with brown or black for balance, then brush on a neutral shadow.